Having a teen driver on the road can be a stressful time. One of the major concerns of most parents and guardians is providing the right type and amount of insurance protection for both the teen driver and themselves. One of the top concerns with auto insurance for teens is whether it will increase premiums for an established driver.

Does Having a Teen Driver Increase Auto Insurance Premiums?

In most instances, having a new teen driver added to an existing policy can increase the premium significantly. This is because teen drivers have a much higher risk of accidents and other insurance claims as opposed to established, mature drivers. Before adding a teen driver, it is essential to discuss the implications with an insurance agent. Be sure to understand the impact of premiums as well as coverage options before adding them or purchasing a different policy. 

Consult an Agent First

The first step towards getting the right amount of protection for a teen driver is to find a reputable insurance agency with agents who can work directly with the policyholder to discuss impacts on either new or existing coverage. They can explain what the terms and conditions in the policy are in detail and help decide if there should be an alternate option depending on the individual situation. Don’t guess when it comes to protecting a teen driver. Get coverage that is going to provide peace of mind and convenience that Main Street Independent Insurance can provide for the residents of Ft. Worth, TX.  

Whether you are in Colorado or Texas, our agents can help. Call or stop by Main Street Independent Insurance in Ft. Worth, TX. Agents are ready to assist those who have questions or need assistance with a policy purchase or amendment. 

The state of Texas is well known for being an enormous place with a variety of quickly growing cities. For those that are in the Dallas or Ft. Worth, TX area, the size of the Metroplex makes it a practical necessity to own a car. If you are thinking about buying a new or used car, you also need to consider your auto insurance needs carefully. There are several reasons why you may need to get an auto insurance policy in Texas.

Ensures Legal Compliance

One reason why you should always have auto insurance when you are driving a car in Texas is that it will ensure that you comply with state auto insurance requirements. All drivers in Texas are mandated to have a minimum level of auto liability coverage. This will ensure that they can pay restitution if they are at fault in an accident. Those that are caught driving without it could face stiff penalties.

Lender Requirements

While it is not required by law, anyone that has an auto loan will also need to have collision and comprehensive insurance at all times. This type of insurance can protect you against many different situations that could cause a loss. This could include protection against theft, vandalism, and even accident damage. Since the lender wants to make sure that their collateral is protected, the loan agreement will require that you carry this insurance. 

Getting auto insurance is a necessity for drivers in the Ft. Worth, TX area. To make sure that you get an excellent policy, you should work with Main Street Independent Insurance for your insurance needs. Main Street Independent Insurance will work with you to make sure that you know all of your options and are able to get a quote easily.

Many car owners make the mistake of choosing the cheapest car insurance policy without truly considering the coverage it provides. When an accident happens, they discover they weren’t as protected as they thought. By being careful in your choice of car insurance, you can avoid the following mistakes and get the quality coverage you desire.

Not Comparing Policies or Researching Companies  

Comparison shopping for auto insurance may take time, but it will save you money in the long run. It will also help you find a reliable company to work with for your coverage. By researching both policies and insurers, you can get the best deal overall. 

Not Knowing Minimum Requirements

All states have minimum car insurance requirements. When purchasing car insurance, Texas auto owners should make sure they are fulfilling these requirements.   

Compromising Coverage for Costs

Car insurance should provide you with the protection you need to cover the costs of an accident. If you compromise coverage for low insurance cost, you could wind up paying thousands of dollars for damages out of pocket. At Main Street Independent Insurance in Ft. Worth, TX, we can help you get essential insurance coverage at reasonable costs.

Not Exploring Discounts

Most insurers offer discounts on car insurance coverage. By taking the time to explore these discounts, you can save substantially on your policy. If you have a safe driving record, have safety features on your vehicle, or bundle home and auto coverage, for example, you could qualify for a discount on your policy.

Getting Needless Coverage

Many auto insurance policies come with add-ons that aren’t really useful to your coverage. Eliminating these add-ons can save you money on your premium.

For more information on auto insurance coverage and costs, contact Main Street Independent Insurance in Ft. Worth, TX.

Drivers in Ft. Worth, TX and around the state are required to have automobile insurance before they get on highways and interstates of the Lone Star State. Many people drive without insurance. If one of them hits you, will your insurance cover the damages to your car or your personal injuries? The same can be asked about hit-and-run drivers.

Ask your representative at Main Street Independent Insurance whether you should include coverage for uninsured or underinsured drivers your auto insurance policy.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Under Texas law, you can buy additional coverage that pays for damages and injuries due to an accident caused by uninsured and underinsured motorists. Optional coverage means that you don’t have to include this part of your regular insurance policy. However, you must put it in writing that you refused the coverage.

This type of coverage protects your family members and other passengers inside your vehicle at the time of an accident. It also includes anyone driving your vehicle with your permission.

This versatile policy covers medical or funeral expenses, car rental, auto repairs, and the replacement of a vehicle if necessary. Ask your agent if you should include the following in your uninsured motorist coverage:

• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Disfigurement, and disability (up to your policy’s maximum)

Contact Us

You work too hard for your money to let someone else’s irresponsible actions put you at risk. Contact your representative at Main Street Independent Insurance to discuss your uninsured or underinsured insurance options. Feel free to make an appointment for a quote at our Ft. Worth, TX office. If you have any questions about auto or other types of insurance, call us at 855-662-6246 today.

 

Auto coverage is something that is not only required by law, but that is also simply a good idea. For those that do have auto insurance, it can be difficult to determine when you can change coverage and what type of coverage you may need to change. When you take out an initial auto policy, you tailor it to the specifics of your car. You can change coverage whenever necessary. Main Street Independent Insurance in the Ft. Worth, TX area can help you find the coverage you need every time.

There is no set limit or time frame that applies to when you can change the coverage that you hold on your car. As long as it meets the minimum requirement that is required by your state and where you live, you can change your coverage whenever you want to. This means that if you find you need more or less coverage and you have only had your policy for a few months, you can certainly change it to better fit your car that is being covered.

If you need less coverage, you can always change it by contacting your insurance agent. It is important that you keep your coverage in line with the minimum requirements of your state or area. You can change or drop coverage and switch to a new policy or a new company at any time. It is required, however, that as long as a car is on the road, it must be insured so you should take the time to make sure you always have coverage and that it meets the minimum requirement.

For those in the Ft. Worth, TX area, the agents with Main Street Independent Insurance can help. Reach out to our offices to speak with an agent and learn more about how an auto insurance policy can benefit you.

One of the most significant assets that most people own is their car. For those that are in the Ft. Worth, TX area, having a good insurance policy in place is very important. But several factors should be considered when getting a new insurance policy.  

Minimum Requirements

When you are looking to build a new auto insurance policy, the first factor that you should consider is what the minimum requirements are for coverage. Similar to other states, Texas requires that all drivers carry minimum levels of liability insurance coverage. The State of Texas requires all drivers to comply with the 30/60/25 coverage law. This means that you will be required to carry liability bodily injury coverage of $30,000 per person and $60,000 per incident plus property damage of $25,000 per accident. 

Collision and Comprehensive

As you are looking for a new auto insurance policy, you will also need to consider whether you should get collision and comprehensive insurance coverage. Collision insurance coverage will provide you with coverage to your vehicle in the event you are found at fault in an accident or if the other driver that is at fault does not have coverage.  

Comprehensive coverage will provide you with a wide range of coverage types including coverage if your car is stolen, vandalized, damaged due to weather, or if you are involved in an accident with an animal. Both collision and comprehensive coverage are typically required by auto lenders and it would be a good idea if you cannot afford to replace your vehicle.  

When looking for a new auto insurance policy in the Ft. Worth, TX area, reaching out to Main Street Independent Insurance would be beneficial. Main Street Independent Insurance is a leading consumer insurance agency and can help get you into a policy that provides you with the necessary coverage. Reach out to our agents for more information.

At Main Street Independent Insurance, serving the Ft. Worth, TX area, we highly recommend that you take photographs after a car accident. However, you may not understand why this is recommended. Here are a few of the reasons why we recommend you take photos immediately after a car accident. 

Helps Show the Damage Done

Following a car accident, some people claim more damage was done to their car than what was really done. When you take photographs of both your car and the other car, you are able to document the exact condition of both cars. This helps to ensure you are not required to pay for damage that is not there or could not have been caused by your accident. 

Can Show the Reason for the Accident

In some cases, there are extenuating circumstances that caused the accident. The road may be icy, in poor condition, or trees may have been blocking a stop sign. After a car accident, be sure to take pictures to document exactly what caused the accident and why it may not have been your fault. 

May Help Prove Fault

The last reason you should take photographs of the accident scene is that it may help to prove fault. In some cases, it comes down to your word against the other drivers if there is no proof of who was at fault. But pictures may show who was at fault based on the final position of the cars. Taking photos may help you to prove that you were not at fault. 

Following a car accident, your current insurance company may try to raise your auto insurance rates. If they do, take the time to shop around. Here at Main Street Independent Insurance, serving the Ft. Worth, TX area, we are committed to providing reliable insurance for all drivers. Call us today for a quote or try our online rating tool.